A Review of the History and Role of UHMWPE as A Component in Total Joint Replacements

Since its introduction as a bearing component for Total Joint Replacements (TJR) by Dr. Charnley in the early 1960’s, Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has become the gold standard to fabricate one of the articulating surfaces of total hip, total knee and total shoulder prostheses. More than a million TJR’s are performed every year and is a multi-billion dollar industry. In-spite-of the overwhelming success of this medical procedure, aseptic loosening as a result of wear limits its longevity to 15-20 years. This review article deals with the history of UHMWPE, its material properties that make it an ideal candidate for total joints, implant-component fabrication procedures and provides insights as to why some of the implants eventually fail. Alternate bearing components like Co-Cr and Ti alloys and ceramics are beyond the scope of this review.